Chicago’s steadily growing status as a top tech hub — combined with its wide variety of attractions and mild summer weather — attracts tech transplants to the city in droves. Summer is without a doubt the best time to plot a move to the Windy City. That being said, is there ever a good time to move? We're not so sure.
Fortunately, these five Chicago startups are here to make one of life’s most painful processes (that’d be moving) easier. From apartment ratings to social fitness communities, these companies will make your move a piece of cake.
Judging the quality of an apartment can be hard to do, especially when a walkthrough lasts all of 10 minutes. That’s where RentSpek comes in. Its iOS app allows renters to grade an apartment as they explore it. Renters are asked simple questions about the quality and age of appliances, any visible water or structural damage and other common tenant concerns. Once the questionnaire is complete, RentSpek adds up the data and gives the apartment a grade which can then be shared with fellow renters.
When it comes to furnishing an apartment, secondhand furniture is a good way to go — especially if you’re on a budget or in a hurry. However, the Craigslist experience can be hit or miss. That’s where MarketSquare comes in. It’s a bit like The RealReal for furniture in that all pieces on the site are curated to ensure a fresh inventory full of variety. Each item is cleaned and stored at a MarketSquare facility and delivered right to a buyer’s doorstep. Since the company only deals with local furniture next-day delivery is available in most cases.
Most moves either involve people bringing way too much stuff or just the bare necessities. There’s really no in-between and that’s what makes Frntal so helpful. Its iOS app lets users offer unused items and storage space to people nearby for short-term rentals. This means that a TV still sitting in a box can be used to make some quick cash, and it also ensures you don’t buy a ton of tools that will only be used once. Users create profiles and can leave ratings, and there’s also a timeline feature (à la Venmo) that lets you see what others close by are renting.
Whether you’re celebrating being all moved in or just need a beer break from building furniture, Foxtrot has your back. The startup is essentially an online corner store with shelves filled with craft beer, wine, spirits, snacks, full meals and even household essentials. Foxtrot delivers to a host of Chicago neighborhoods, including Lincoln Park, Logan Square, River North and Wicker Park. Delivery costs $5 and typically takes about an hour. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can visit Foxtrot’s brick-and-mortar stores, which are located in Lincoln Park and the West Loop.
Once you're all settled in, it's time to branch out and meet some locals. There are many apps and websites for meeting new people in a new city, but Stridekick is one of the few to add fitness to the equation. Built around wearable devices, they've also integrated a community aspect in that you can join large groups based on your general exercise interests. Alternatively, users can join "affinity groups," which are more focused and designed to connect people with more specific goals, such as joggers who like morning runs by the lake or runners training for their first triathlon.
Images via featured companies, social media and Shutterstock
Are there other startups or tools that make moving to Chicago easier? Let us know with a tip or a tweet @BuiltInChicago
